How big is the Bird's nest coral?

Bird's nest coral (Seriatopora hystrix) reaches 15–50 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Bird's nest coral?

Bird's nest coral is found between 1–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Bird's nest coral?

IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).

Where can you find the Bird's nest coral?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Bird's nest coral (Seriatopora hystrix)

Key facts

Scientific name: Seriatopora hystrix
Common name: Bird's nest coral
Category: Corals
Family: Pocilloporidae
Genus: Seriatopora
Size: 15–50 cm
Depth: 1–40 m
IUCN status: Near threatened (NT)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: sessile, colonial
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Seriatopora hystrix reaches 50 cm. Hard coral forming branching colonies with extremely thin, straight, sharp and pointed branches (hence hystrix, porcupine), intertwined in dense bush. Pink, purple, pink-brown, beige or rarely yellow color. Lives from 1 to 40 m on coral reefs of Indo-Pacific. Listed NT. Iconic microhabitat sheltering many small cryptic fish (Gobiidae, Tripterygiidae, Cirrhitidae) and trapezia crustaceans. Fragile to bleaching but regenerates well.

Photo of Bird's nest coral

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Bird's nest coral?: Bird's nest coral (Seriatopora hystrix) reaches 15–50 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Bird's nest coral?: Bird's nest coral is found between 1–40 m deep.
Is the Bird's nest coral dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Bird's nest coral?: IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
Where can you find the Bird's nest coral?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Pocilloporidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 206973)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2259471)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia